Veendam August 17, 2013 Review

[Crazy For Cats]

I have been allowed access to the bow on 3 occasions, sailing into San Francisco , NYC and Charleston .

 

These spectacular views are forever etched into my memory . I envy anybody who may have sailed into a European port...or any port for that matter, from the same vantage point.

 

But I learned from my first experience to claim my spot very early when the captain gives the heads-up.... if the bow is indeed open to passengers.

 

On this trip there was no announcement from the captain that the bow was open. I tried it in Boston on embarkation, saw a few other people, and made sure to check each time we entered or left port. Now I feel a little spoiled.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[Typhoon1]

Thanks for taking the time to share your review with us.

[sail7seas]

Yes I was on the bow going into Portland. It was beautiful. It was such an unusual treat that I was there for all of the ports, except for the return to Boston. I tried to block out the idea of disembarkation. It really was a wonderful week, even if it went too fast!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

Sounds great.

We've had the chance to be on the bow for several sail in/sail outs and it is always special.

 

I would have enjoyed it for Portland. Sigh..... :)

 

[innlady1]

Were you on the bow sailing into Portland?

That is such a pretty port I imagine it must have been beautiful.

 

I watched from our verandah as we sailed into Boston early Saturday morning. That, too, is a beautiful sail in past the small islands and seeing Boston's fabulous skyline.

 

That must be beautiful...somewhat like NYC minus Lady Liberty and the WTC. Being a "Beantown Girl", I would love it. We had dinner at Jake's in Hull last Thursday and as we were driving to the end of the peninsula, we saw a cruise ship all aglow off the coast. Meant to come home and check on line to see what it was...but forgot. Pretty sight.

[Vic The Parrot]

Thanks for the review, I agree with the "Retreat" I would not take this ship again because of it, prefer Massdam which more or less is same ship but there is a real pool where Retreat is

 

 

Ditto.

 

I prefer the "old" Retreat.

At least that one had more water to enjoy.

[Orsino]

I had no idea that access to the bow was special. I thought it was standard practice for HAL. I guess I've just been lucky on the cruises I've been on.

We enjoyed the bow sailing out of Portland and into Boston last week. We didn't manage to go there for other sailaways but it never occurred to us that we might not even be allowed to.

 

On my last HAL cruise we went to the bow every day.

[TylerRose]

TY so very much for taking the time to review. I am in final Veendam countdown mode and eager for all recommendations, reminders, observations, and anecdotes... :D

[callmecrazy]

This was the first time that we could drive to a port and catch one of those dam ships. As many of you advised driving to the port of Boston and parking was very easy. Just a quick walk across the street and you are at the terminal. The pricing at the garage was also easy on the wallet. Very unexpected for Boston.

 

We carried our luggage onto the ship and unpacked before heading to lunch in the MDR. I find this a nice quiet way to begin a cruise, avoiding the crowds in the Lido. The food was good and the service and attention was fabulous. After lunch we walked around to see where everything was located. While all of the ships are similar they do have their differences. After this walk around we thought we made a mistake booking this ship. It seemed so small after our most recent trip on the NA. At some point the following day that feeling was gone.

 

We went to the opening show and my expectations were low. I was pleasantly surprised. The singers have obvious talent but some of the numbers were not up to par. I have noticed that HAL is saving money on sets, by not having any,for their shows and this continued on this cruise. I hope that this changes after their association with DWTS. Other entertainment was a comedian that was so good that I went to the second show. A magician made an appearance one night and that was very disappointing.

 

The food on board was what I expected. There was always something to be found that was appealing to eat. We ate in the MDR twice and both times the service was perfect and the food matched. Our last night was in the PG and the steak Diane was wonderful, Juan's lobster tail was good but not enough. The chocolate volcano cake for dessert was a very nice treat. The lido was a bit more problematic. It is here that we noticed some budget cuts, especially at breakfast. The food was good and the staff tried their best to keep up but they were understaffed, especially at breakfast. Typically there is someone at each station, especially at the egg stations, they were at least one or two people short to keep up with the crowds and this became a huge issue on disembarkation day.

 

There were happy hours in the Crows Nest and Ocean Bar at 4 each day, except for the first day when none were present. The Crows nest began the cruise with happy hour at 11 and then switched them to 10 part way through the cruise. I had heard that attendance was sparse at 11. I know we were asleep in our rooms at that time. We did make appearances at 10 and the crowds were there. Service in the Crows Nest was perfect. One of servers went out of her way to make sure that we felt at home, she remembered our names and always let us know when other friends were on the other side of the bar. I did make a point of providing an extra tip for her as this was above what we expected an received on other ships.

 

Overall I found the Veendam to be in good repair I could not find anything to fault her with except for that hot mess called the Retreat. We had wanted to book Hawaii next year and the Veendam is making those sailings in 2014. We decided not to book the Veendam for that itinerary and the Retreat was a major factor, so was the five sea days each way. We will wait until a bigger ship does that route.

 

The service and friendliness of the staff was apparent and comes into a close second to the Westerdam crew. I would be happy to sail on her again if the itinerary is right.

 

We did book a B2B cruise on the Maasdam for next June taking advantage of the Explore 4 and OBC while on board. I will be curious to see how the two ships compare.

 

The biggest surprise came at disembarkation. We expected a long wait at customs. No so much. As soon as we got off the ship an officer took our declaration cards and sent us on our way. No checking of passports, no questions, just a quick thank you and we were free to go! Is this the norm for Boston??

 

Thank you so much for this very thorough review!! I will be escorting a group of 30 on this ship/sailing September 21st and am very excited! Do you recall which deck was used for embarkation/disembarkation? I know there is tendering for Bar Harbar. I'm just trying to figure out the best meeting point on the ship for me to meet with my group before disembarking together in ports.

 

Can you also tell me how the process went for arrival into Quebec City with Canada Customs, since the ship docks there overnight?

 

Thank you so very much!

[Himself]

This was the first time that we could drive to a port and catch one of those dam ships. As many of you advised driving to the port of Boston and parking was very easy. Just a quick walk across the street and you are at the terminal. The pricing at the garage was also easy on the wallet. Very unexpected for Boston.

 

We carried our luggage onto the ship and unpacked before heading to lunch in the MDR. I find this a nice quiet way to begin a cruise, avoiding the crowds in the Lido. The food was good and the service and attention was fabulous. After lunch we walked around to see where everything was located. While all of the ships are similar they do have their differences. After this walk around we thought we made a mistake booking this ship. It seemed so small after our most recent trip on the NA. At some point the following day that feeling was gone.

 

We went to the opening show and my expectations were low. I was pleasantly surprised. The singers have obvious talent but some of the numbers were not up to par. I have noticed that HAL is saving money on sets, by not having any,for their shows and this continued on this cruise. I hope that this changes after their association with DWTS. Other entertainment was a comedian that was so good that I went to the second show. A magician made an appearance one night and that was very disappointing.

 

The food on board was what I expected. There was always something to be found that was appealing to eat. We ate in the MDR twice and both times the service was perfect and the food matched. Our last night was in the PG and the steak Diane was wonderful, Juan's lobster tail was good but not enough. The chocolate volcano cake for dessert was a very nice treat. The lido was a bit more problematic. It is here that we noticed some budget cuts, especially at breakfast. The food was good and the staff tried their best to keep up but they were understaffed, especially at breakfast. Typically there is someone at each station, especially at the egg stations, they were at least one or two people short to keep up with the crowds and this became a huge issue on disembarkation day.

 

There were happy hours in the Crows Nest and Ocean Bar at 4 each day, except for the first day when none were present. The Crows nest began the cruise with happy hour at 11 and then switched them to 10 part way through the cruise. I had heard that attendance was sparse at 11. I know we were asleep in our rooms at that time. We did make appearances at 10 and the crowds were there. Service in the Crows Nest was perfect. One of servers went out of her way to make sure that we felt at home, she remembered our names and always let us know when other friends were on the other side of the bar. I did make a point of providing an extra tip for her as this was above what we expected an received on other ships.

 

Overall I found the Veendam to be in good repair I could not find anything to fault her with except for that hot mess called the Retreat. We had wanted to book Hawaii next year and the Veendam is making those sailings in 2014. We decided not to book the Veendam for that itinerary and the Retreat was a major factor, so was the five sea days each way. We will wait until a bigger ship does that route.

 

The service and friendliness of the staff was apparent and comes into a close second to the Westerdam crew. I would be happy to sail on her again if the itinerary is right.

 

We did book a B2B cruise on the Maasdam for next June taking advantage of the Explore 4 and OBC while on board. I will be curious to see how the two ships compare.

 

The biggest surprise came at disembarkation. We expected a long wait at customs. No so much. As soon as we got off the ship an officer took our declaration cards and sent us on our way. No checking of passports, no questions, just a quick thank you and we were free to go! Is this the norm for Boston??

 

Thanks for your scouting report on the Veendam. The Retreat was a mistake. Thankfully they did not do this on any other of the "S" class ships.

[Crazy For Cats]

Thank you so much for this very thorough review!! I will be escorting a group of 30 on this ship/sailing September 21st and am very excited! Do you recall which deck was used for embarkation/disembarkation? I know there is tendering for Bar Harbar. I'm just trying to figure out the best meeting point on the ship for me to meet with my group before disembarking together in ports.

 

Can you also tell me how the process went for arrival into Quebec City with Canada Customs, since the ship docks there overnight?

 

Thank you so very much!

 

Good morning, I am having trouble remembering which deck we disembarked in Bar Harbor. I think most times it was deck 5, but that could have been when docked. I think one of the ports was deck 3.

The cruise we were on was a 7 day Boston round trip we did not go to Quebec.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[rafinmd]

I'm pretty sure we boarded on Main Deck. Boston has space for 2 ships. We used the better of the 2; I don't think the secondary terminal has a covered bridge. The Maasdam was docked behind us and appeared to be embarking from a lower deck.

 

Bar Harbor is a tender port. All tender operations are done from B Deck. I think there your group's best option would be to assemble in the Atrium on Lower Promenade and then go down to the landing together.

 

Roy

[silvercruiser]

I agree about not liking the Retreat, BUT it made those wonderful aft-facing Vista Suites available. I upgraded to one on the VOV cruise and it was absolute heaven. Best cabin I've ever had or probably ever will have, as this upsell was a one time big treat.

[callmecrazy]

Good morning, I am having trouble remembering which deck we disembarked in Bar Harbor. I think most times it was deck 5, but that could have been when docked. I think one of the ports was deck 3.

The cruise we were on was a 7 day Boston round trip we did not go to Quebec.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

Thanks for your reply. Looking at the Deck Plan for the Veendam, they don't appear to be numbered but named. I wonder if my deck 5 you mean the Upper Promenade Deck as that is where the main atrium/lobby is. For a tendered port, it is likely the very lowest deck which would be below Deck A.

[sail7seas]

I'm surprised no comment about how steep the gangway was in Boston when we disembarked. I have no mobility problems but had a horrible time disembarking on that steep gangway. It was also steep in Portland early in the day at low tide. As the tide rose, they changed the gangway and it was very much easier to get up and down.

 

I think the problem with steep gangway is them using the third floor in the terminal. It used to be to the second floor of the terminal before they did a renovation.

 

[RuthC]

Thanks for your reply. Looking at the Deck Plan for the Veendam, they don't appear to be numbered but named. I wonder if my deck 5 you mean the Upper Promenade Deck as that is where the main atrium/lobby is.

The Veendam does have deck numbers as well as names. The difficulty---at least for those of use who sail all the ships---is that it's a different number for the same deck as found on the R-ships. :rolleyes:

You're right that deck 5 would be Upper Promenade on the R-class ships, but on the Veendam it's Main Deck.

The Atrium covers the three decks Lower Promenade, Promenade, and Upper Promenade. Lower Promenade has a large area, with several chairs, and a dining table. It's an easy place to meet.

The tender is accessed via B-deck, forward. The Atrium is at the forward staircase/elevator.

[callmecrazy]

I'm pretty sure we boarded on Main Deck. Boston has space for 2 ships. We used the better of the 2; I don't think the secondary terminal has a covered bridge. The Maasdam was docked behind us and appeared to be embarking from a lower deck.

 

Bar Harbor is a tender port. All tender operations are done from B Deck. I think there your group's best option would be to assemble in the Atrium on Lower Promenade and then go down to the landing together.

 

Roy

 

Thanks for your reply Roy! Looking at the Veendam deck plan, Main Deck is all passenger cabins. I've always found cruise ships to usually use the deck that has the atrium/lobby to welcome guests aboard their ship. But the Promenade deck has lifeboats so I imagine it's not that one either.

 

I'm hoping to finalize my itinerary for my folks and want to be able to give them the accurate decks.

 

Appreciate the input!

[callmecrazy]

The Veendam does have deck numbers as well as names. The difficulty---at least for those of use who sail all the ships---is that it's a different number for the same deck as found on the R-ships. :rolleyes:

You're right that deck 5 would be Upper Promenade on the R-class ships, but on the Veendam it's Main Deck.

 

The Atrium covers the three decks Lower Promenade, Promenade, and Upper Promenade. Lower Promenade has a large area, with several chairs, and a dining table. It's an easy place to meet.

The tender is accessed via B-deck, forward. The Atrium is at the forward staircase/elevator.

 

Thanks again for your speedy reply!

 

I can't see a ship using a deck for embarkation that only has staterooms on that deck. On the deck plan, Main Deck is just above Deck A.

 

Everyone's stateroom in my group is on Main Deck so if that's the deck used for embarkation in Boston, and the other non-tendered ports, that works out perfectly but I'm doubtful it's used for that as it would cause so much crowding in the hallways.

 

So confusing to me!

[callmecrazy]

Another quick question - is your table # shown on your room keycard?

[sail7seas]

Yes.

Dining Room Table Number is always on your key card if you have fixed, traditional dining. :)

 

[RuthC]

I can't see a ship using a deck for embarkation that only has staterooms on that deck. On the deck plan, Main Deck is just above Deck A.

The Veendam absolutely has an entrance on Main Deck. It's right by the forward elevator bank, where boarding passengers are routed. There are a couple of small couches between the passageway and the elevator area.

 

Another quick question - is your table # shown on your room keycard?

Yes, if you are in fixed seating, along with the seating time (early, main, or open).

[Copper10-8]

Thanks again for your speedy reply!

 

I can't see a ship using a deck for embarkation that only has staterooms on that deck. On the deck plan, Main Deck is just above Deck A.

 

Everyone's stateroom in my group is on Main Deck so if that's the deck used for embarkation in Boston, and the other non-tendered ports, that works out perfectly but I'm doubtful it's used for that as it would cause so much crowding in the hallways.

 

So confusing to me!

 

Main Deck on the four "S" class ships (Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam & veendam) is used for embarkation in major ports that use an "airport-style retractable jet-way" for gangway i.e. Ft. Lauderdale, Boston, San Diego, Vancouver

[callmecrazy]

Thank you everyone!

 

It is clear to me then that Main deck (an all stateroom deck) is used for embarkation/disembarkation. This will be very convenient for everyone in my group then to find their way to their staterooms though they will not likely be ready when we board.

 

I've only sailed on larger ships that use their atrium/lobby deck for embarkation, especially on the first day, and so enjoyed that "wow" factor stepping into the very welcoming atrium. This will be a first for me to embark on a deck where there are nothing but staterooms.

 

Thanks again for all your input!

[sail7seas]

Main Deck on the four "S" class ships (Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam & veendam) is used for embarkation in major ports that use an "airport-style retractable jet-way" for gangway i.e. Ft. Lauderdale, Boston, San Diego, Vancouver

 

 

John,

 

Why was the gangway so steep disembarking Veendam in Boston?

We have disembarked Maasdam any number of times in Boston through the years and never encountered this. It was awful.

 

We have visited on Eurodam, Maasdam, Noordam and other ships in Boston and don't remember encountering that.

We disembarked our usual time about 8:15 -8:30. Tide must have been low? Is it the third floor of the terminal we disembarked into? Didn't it used to be second floor?

Thanks.

 

[Copper10-8]

John,

 

Why was the gangway so steep disembarking Veendam in Boston?

We have disembarked Maasdam any number of times in Boston through the years and never encountered this. It was awful.

 

We have visited on Eurodam, Maasdam, Noordam and other ships in Boston and don't remember encountering that.

We disembarked our usual time about 8:15 -8:30. Tide must have been low? Is it the third floor of the terminal we disembarked into? Didn't it used to be second floor?

Thanks.

 

 

No clue S7S; BOS/Black Falcon has an adjustable jet-way as you know. It should have been/usually automatically adjusts when the tide/elevation changes. Perhaps there was a mechanical issue with the jet-way:confused:

[rafinmd]

I left about 8:55 and didn't notice anything unusual about the ramp. Was it steep all the way, or were 1 or 2 of the segments taking up all the elevation change?

 

Roy